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Dog that vanished from crate at Atlanta airport discovered safe — three weeks after disappearance

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Dog that vanished from crate at Atlanta airport discovered safe — three weeks after disappearance


A traveler’s beloved dog that vanished after escaping from its Delta Airlines crate in Georgia was found safe and healthy Saturday — after spending more than three weeks on the lam.

Maia the chihuahua mix was found by a good Samaritan hiding beneath a cargo rack at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.

“I didn’t say a word and walked to the end of the rack and started scooting under it on my back. It was about 10 inches off the ground,” local animal activist Robin Cole Allgood said on Facebook.

“I got to her and she still hadn’t noticed I was behind her…I took a deep breath and just grabbed her around the waist without hesitating. The next thing I hear is someone yell ‘Robin’s got her!!!!’”

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Though tired, the canine appeared to be in good health and was taken to a vet for a full evaluation, the airline confirmed.

Maia had been missing since she darted out of her crate on Aug. 18 while her owner, Dominic Republic native Paula Rodriguez, was being questioned by border agents, her lawyer said.

Maia was found safe hiding at the Atlanta airport 24 days after she vanished from her crate.
Facebook

Rodriguez was forced to return to her home country instead of her San Francisco destination over missing visa credentials — even as officials admitted her pet was nowhere to be found.

Delta offered Rodriguez $1,800 for the tragic incident, which the dog owner felt was an “insult” that couldn’t replace her cherished pet, her lawyer said.

That’s when Allgood stepped up to the task by posting signs around the airport for the missing dog, which turned out to be vital to Maia’s rescue.

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Robin Cole Allgood and Maia
Robin Cole Allgood led the recovery efforts to bring Maia back home to her owner.
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A FedEx cargo employee called Allgood at 2:30 a.m. Saturday to report seeing the pup the day before, prompting her to rush to the airport.

Allgood said the airport staff led her on multiple “wild goose chases” before finally escorting her to the North Cargo facility around 6 p.m.

By that time, the mother realized she was going to miss her flight to Hawaii with her family — but decided the vacation could wait another day, while the pup could not.


The rack Maia was hiding under.
Maia was found hiding beneath the cargo racks at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.
Facebook

“I couldn’t leave without finding Maia. I had promised Paula in the beginning I was going to find her!” Allgood said.

The group of airport workers and Allgood eventually discovered Maia hiding beneath outdoor cargo racks, but had difficulty reaching the frightened pooch.

Dozens of employees tried removing her from her narrow hiding spot with wildlife nets, long poles and barricades surrounding the spot.

But the efforts proved fruitless.

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“Everyone was standing around talking about what to do next…me being me decided I’m going for this dog,” Allgood recalled.


Maia in a crate.
Although tired, Maia was found by a vet to be in incredible health.
X / @ATLairport

She shimmied beneath the rack and successfully brought Maia to safety.

A veterinarian reportedly said the dog was in incredible shape considering she had been lost for 24 days in Atlanta’s blistering summer heat.

Remarkably, Maia’s paw pads suffered no heat damage, a suggestion that she may have only maneuvered through the airport grounds at night — which also explains why she had gone so long without being seen.


Maia
Maia will be returned to owner Paula Rodriguez in the Dominican Republic.
Facebook

Maia’s owner is reportedly over the moon after hearing the good news and looks forward to being reunited with her cherished family member.

What next legal steps Rodriguez will take is unclear.

Her lawyer had been in talks with Delta in the aftermath of Maia’s disappearance, especially after the airline offered the $1,800 mishandling offer which it later defended, claiming it was not an “offer of compensation”

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The Rodriguez family spent an undisclosed amount of money and resources trying to find their beloved pet themselves.

Rodriguez’s mother flew to Atlanta herself to search for the lost pup after her daughter was denied entry into the country.





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Atlanta, GA

Things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | June 6-8, 2025

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Things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | June 6-8, 2025


Looking for fun around metro Atlanta and North Georgia this weekend? From live music and art shows to foodie festivals and family adventures, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best things to do!

Atlanta Bites: Father’s Day, events and deals, new eats | June 2025

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LIVE MUSIC & CONCERTS

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Mahler’s Symphony No. 7
When: Thursday, June 5, and Saturday, June 7, 8 p.m.
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta
What: The orchestra’s season finale features guest conductor Peter Oundjian leading Mahler’s Symphony No. 7 and Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1, with pianist Inon Barnatan and a trumpet showcase.
Cost: Tickets start around $30

River Tiber
When: Friday, June 6
Where: Aisle 5, Atlanta
What: Canadian R&B/electronic artist River Tiber performs live.
Cost: Tickets from $20

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First Friday Concert Series: Funky Fresh Night
When: Friday, June 6, 7–10 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Square, Gainesville
What: Free outdoor concert featuring The Sentimental Gentlemen and Go-Machine.
Cost: Free

Happy Together Tour 2025
When: Friday, June 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee
What: A nostalgic concert featuring The Turtles, Jay & The Americans, Little Anthony, and more.
Cost: All seats $50

Lil Baby – Wham World Tour
When: Saturday, June 7
Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
What: Atlanta native and Grammy-winning rapper Lil Baby brings his high-energy performance to the hometown crowd.
Cost: Tickets start at $59

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Atlanta Opera: Semele
When: Saturday, June 7; Tuesday, June 10; Friday, June 13; and Sunday, June 15
Where: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta
What: The Atlanta Opera presents Handel’s Baroque masterpiece Semele, telling the story of Princess Semele entangled in a love triangle with Jupiter, king of the gods, and his wife Juno.
Cost: Tickets start around $40

The Kooks – All Over The World Tour
When: Saturday, June 7
Where: The Tabernacle, Atlanta
What: British indie rock band The Kooks perform hits from their latest album.
Cost: Tickets from $35

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The Isley Brothers with After 7
When: Saturday, June 7
Where: Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, Mableton
What: Legendary R&B group The Isley Brothers perform classic hits with special guests After 7.
Cost: Tickets start at $45

Ray Howard Band Concert
When: Saturday, June 7, 7–10 p.m.
Where: Village Green Park, 1250 Powder Springs St. SE, Smyrna
What: Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and cooler to enjoy classic soul and R&B by the Ray Howard Band. Reserved tables with six chairs available for rent.
Cost: Free; table rental $60 for residents, $75 for nonresident

Fuzzstock Festival 2025
When: Saturday, June 7, doors at 2 p.m.
Where: Boggs Social & Supply, Atlanta
What: Celebrate the fifth year of Fuzzstock with a night of peace, love, and fuzz featuring Leafblower, Bleach Garden (Album Release), Bog Monkey, The Pinx, MammaBear, Gas Hound (7″ Release), and more. Enjoy brunch from Ria’s Baby Bird, dinner from Jimmie’s Jerk Chicken, and a DJ set from Vikki Vaden. Sponsored by Nocturnal Brewing, WFMU, Now Dig This, and others. 21+ event with ADA-accessible facilities.
Cost: $10 Early Bird, $15 Advance, $20 Day of Show

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Classical Remix Music Festival: Music Under the Moon
When: Sunday, June 8, 7:30 p.m. (additional performances June 22 and June 27)
Where: Leafmore-Creek Park Club, Decatur (June 8); Historic DeKalb Courthouse, Downtown Decatur (June 22 and 27)
What: The Classical Remix Music Festival blends pop and classical music, beginning with Music Under the Moon. Musicians from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Symphony, Toronto Symphony, and others perform in this unique series.
Cost: Varies by performance

ART SHOWS & EXHIBITS

Cheryl Henos: It’s Not Just Black & White
When: June 5–Aug. 7
Where: The Gallery at Abernathy Arts Center, Bridgewood Valley Road NW, Sandy Springs
What: Cheryl Henos presents It’s Not Just Black & White, an exhibit of hand-painted photography using oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolor, and pencil. Henos blends her background in painting and photography to revive the traditional technique of hand-coloring black-and-white photos.
Cost: Free

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Marietta Square Art Walk
When: Friday, June 6, 5–9 p.m.
Where: Marietta Square, Marietta
What: A free, self-guided tour of local art galleries and studios with live music and food vendors. First Friday event. 
Cost: Free

Noah James Saunders: Wire Portraits
When: Through Sunday, June 8
Where: Marietta Cobb Museum of Art
What: Intricate three-dimensional wire sculptures of human faces.
Cost: Included with museum admission

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Beth LaCour: Mountains and Valleys
When: Through June 19
Where: Zuckerman Museum of Art, Kennesaw
What: Artist Beth LaCour presents a series of folded paper vessels and a large installation, exploring themes of form and space.
Cost: Free

Anonymous Fragments
When: Through June 29
Where: Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University, Atlanta
What: Timothy Hull’s series of paintings and drawings inspired by ancient Greek vase fragments, exploring histories of collecting and antiquities.
Cost: Free – $10

Call and Response
When: Through June 22
Where: Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University, Atlanta
What: An exhibition featuring five contemporary artists responding to the museum’s collections, examining whose voices are heard in the stories museums tell.
Cost: Free – $10 

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Ferguson Family: Clay and Kin Exhibit
When: Through Sept. 17
Where: Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, Sautee Nacoochee
What: An exhibit showcasing the Ferguson family’s contributions to folk pottery.
Cost: Included with museum admission 

Solomon C. Judge: Contemporary Art Exhibition
When: Through July 8
Where: Stonecrest Library, Stonecrest
What: Multidisciplinary artist Solomon C. Judge explores themes of normalcy and identity through works created over three years, focusing on the intersection of mind, body, and soul.
Cost: Free 

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FOODIE EVENTS & FARMERS MARKETS

Wonderful Wizards of Raw
When: Friday–Sunday, June 6–8
Where: Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe, Atlanta 
What: A festival celebrating raw, plant-based cuisine with workshops, vendors, and tastings.
Cost: Varies

Alpharetta Brew Moon Festival
When: Saturday, June 7, 6:30–11 p.m.
Where: Milton Avenue between Hwy 9 and Roswell/Canton Street, Alpharetta
What: Enjoy an evening of craft beer, food trucks, and live music by Chuck Martin and the Line Up in downtown Alpharetta.
Cost: Free

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Epic Farmer’s Market
When: Saturday–Sunday, June 7–8
Where: Riverside EpiCenter, Mableton
What: A weekend market featuring fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live entertainment.
Cost: Free

Midtown Black Makers Market
When: Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: The Art Walk, 987 Peachtree Walk NE, Atlanta
What: Support Black-owned businesses and creators at this outdoor market featuring vendors, live performances, and interactive art installations.
Cost: Free

Taste of Korea
When: Saturday–Sunday, June 7–8
Where: Uptown Atlanta, Main Street
What: Experience Korean culture with traditional food, music, dance performances, and cultural exhibits.
Cost: Free admission 

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Farmers Market Featuring the Bark Market
When: Sunday, June 8 and 22, 1–4 p.m.
Where: The Battery Atlanta
What: Browse a selection of farm-fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and wellness products. Dog owners can explore the Bark Market for treats and accessories. A petting zoo will also be on-site.
Cost: Free 

Grant Park Farmers Market
When: Sunday, June 8
Where: Grant Park, Atlanta
What: Local produce, meats, artisanal foods, and live chef demos.
Cost: Free admission

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THEATER & COMEDY

Atlanta Fringe Festival
When: Through Sunday, June 8
Where: Multiple venues across Atlanta
What: Experimental and boundary-pushing performances, including “Don Toberman: Ping Pong Champ” and “40.4.40 (The Hip Hop Musical for Dreamers).”
Cost: Tickets vary by show

Atlanta Fringe Festival returns bigger, weirder and wilder for 2025

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Millions
When: Through June 15
Where: The Coca-Cola Stage, Alliance Theatre, Atlanta
What: “Millions” is the heartwarming tale of brothers dealing with the loss of their mother in different ways.
Cost: Tickets from $60 (various discounts)

Best of Atlanta Comedy Showcase
When: Friday, June 6, 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 7, 5 p.m., 8 p.m., 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 8, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Laughing Skull Lounge, Atlanta
What: A rapid-fire showcase featuring 10+ of Atlanta’s top comedians performing their best 10-minute sets.
Cost: Tickets start at $25

Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
When: Friday–Sunday, June 6–8
Where: Fox Theatre, Atlanta
What: A Broadway musical chronicling the rise of The Temptations.
Cost: Tickets from $39

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Grease – The Musical
When: Through June 22
Where: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, Marietta
What: A live stage production of the classic musical “Grease.”
Cost: Tickets from $25

Mark Curry Stand-Up Comedy
When: Friday–Saturday, June 6–7
Where: City Winery, Atlanta
What: Comedian and actor Mark Curry performs stand-up comedy.
Cost: Tickets from $30

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Witch Cake
When: Saturday, June 7
Where: 7 Stages Theatre, Atlanta
What: Immersive horror play set in a dystopian neocolonial village.
Cost: Tickets from $25

Jackie Fabulous
When: Saturday-Sunday, June 6-7
Where: Atlanta Comedy Theater, Norcross
What: Comedian Jackie Fabulous was a semi-finalist on the 2019 season of “America’s Got Talent.”
Cost: Tickets start at $20 

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FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Virginia-Highland Summerfest
When: Friday-Sunday, June 6-8
Where: Virginia-Highland neighborhood, Atlanta
What: Arts festival with live music, food, art vendors, and a 5K run.
Cost: Free

Flying Colors Butterfly Festival
When: Saturday–Sunday, June 7–8
Where: Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell
What: A family-friendly festival with butterfly encounters, educational exhibits, and live entertainment.
Cost: Included with general admission

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Suwanee Asian Festival 2025
When: Saturday, June 7, 12–8 p.m.
Where: Suwanee Town Center Park, Suwanee
What: The 3rd Annual Suwanee Asian Festival, founded by Michelle Kang, celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander culture with performances from JAAGO and traditional acts from Korea, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and more. Enjoy family-friendly activities including bounce houses, K-pop dance challenges, Squid Game-inspired games, and a Korean circle dance. Explore over 80 food and retail vendors along with civic and nonprofit booths.
Cost: Free

Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival & Highland Games
When: Saturday–Sunday, June 7–8
Where: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee
What: Scottish cultural festival with traditional games, music, and food.
Cost: Tickets from $20 

FAMILY

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A Turtles Shell-ebration
When: Saturday, June 7
Where: Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta
What: Celebrate the grand opening of the “Turtles” exhibit with hands-on activities, crafts, and opportunities to meet live turtles.
Cost: Included with museum admission

Zoo Atlanta Neighborhood Block Party
When: Sunday, June 8, 3:30–7:30 p.m. (last entry at 6 p.m.)
Where: Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta
What: Take advantage of reduced admission to see the animals, attend Ask-A-Zookeeper Talks, engage with interactive displays, enjoy music by DJ Matt, color a mural, get airbrush tattoos, and play yard games.
Cost: Adults $19.95, children 3 and up $14.95, free for under 3 and Zoo Atlanta members

Summer Party at Atlanta Botanical Garden
When: Saturday, June 21
Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta
What: Celebrate the summer solstice with an enchanted evening of glowing lanterns, live music, magic, artistic exhibits, and more.
Cost: Tickets from $60 (for adults) 

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Family Saturday and UPS Second Sunday at the High Museum of Art
When: Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Family Saturday); Sunday, June 8, noon–5 p.m. (UPS Second Sunday)
Where: High Museum of Art, Atlanta
What: Family Saturday features toddler programming (ages 15 months–3 years), drop-in art-making classes for older kids, and docent-led family tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. On Sunday, enjoy free admission with art activities, free art supplies, music by an Atlanta DJ, and a 3 p.m. workshop and open rehearsal with Giwayen Mata, an all-sistah African drum, dance, and vocal ensemble.
Cost: Saturday included with museum admission; Sunday free admission

Kennesaw Outdoor Movie Series
When: Saturday, June 7, 6 p.m. premovie fun, movie starts at 8:15 p.m.
Where: Swift-Cantrell Park, 3140 Old 41 Highway NW, Kennesaw
What: Enjoy food vendors, games, and other activities before a screening of “Moana 2” on a large inflatable screen.
Cost: Free

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RockFest at Tellus Science Museum
When: Saturday–Sunday, June 14-15
Where: Tellus Science Museum, Cartersville
What: Experience geology-themed activities to explore rocks, minerals, and jewels.
Cost: Included with museum admission

HEALTH

Strength In the City Wellness Fest
When: Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: The Battery Atlanta
What: A rain-or-shine event with over 35 fitness and wellness classes, including yoga, HIIT, dance, and meditation. The day kicks off with a free 5K run and 2-mile walk led by Body Art Run Club. Local vendors, recovery services, and prize giveaways included. Advance registration required.
Cost: Free to $115 (portion benefits Strength in the City Foundation)

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OTHER

Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race
When: Thursday–Saturday, June 5–7
Where: Downtown Helen
What: Witness the South’s oldest balloon event with colorful hot air balloons launching and competing in a race to the Atlantic.
Cost: Free to attend

JuneFest and Forest Forms Exhibit at Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville
When: Saturday, June 7 (JuneFest); Exhibit runs June 7–October 5
Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville
What: Celebrate the Garden’s 10th anniversary with JuneFest, a family-friendly day featuring a DJ, educational booths, local vendors, kids’ activities, and an artist-led tour. Continue the experience with Forest Forms: Woodland Wonders, an outdoor exhibition of 21 larger-than-life metal sculptures of plants and animals by artist Huelani Mei.
Cost: Tickets from $25.95

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Bark in the Park
When: Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Thurman Springs Park, 4485 Pineview Drive, Powder Springs
What: Bring your leashed pet for a “paw-ty” with story time for pets and kids, pet vendors, exhibitions, adoptions, and contests for best costume, biggest dog, smallest pet, most exotic pet, and best owner/pet look-alike.
Cost: Free

Lakewood 400 Antiques Market
When: Friday–Sunday, June 6–8
Where: 1321 Atlanta Highway, Cumming
What: A monthly market featuring antiques, collectibles, and designer items.
Cost: $3 admission

COMING UP

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Suwanee Summer Porch Jam
When: Friday, June 13, starting at 6 p.m.
Where: Old Town Suwanee, Suwanee
What: Enjoy a free evening of live music from local talent across 14 unique venues—including the mayor’s front porch! Performances feature bluegrass, folk, and rising artists like Anu & Ash, Rachael Mann, and Little Gracie. Food trucks and drinks available near the caboose. Free shuttle service from Town Center provided.
Cost: Free

Decatur Beach Party
When: Saturday, June 13
Where: Downtown Decatur, Decatur
What: Bask in the glow of summer with a pop-up beach, live music, games, boardwalk fare, and frozen treats.
Cost: Free

ATL Kids Summer Fest
When: Saturday, June 14
Where: Starr Park Amphitheatre, Forest Park
What: This summer concert specifically for kids features talented kid artists, vendors, engaging activities, and more.
Cost: Free

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Midnight Market Atlanta
When: Saturday, June 14
Where: Pinnacle Lot, Atlantic Station, downtown Atlanta
What: Night market with food vendors, DJs, and games.
Cost: Tickets from $15

Atlanta Summer Beer Fest
When: Saturday, June 14
Where: Old Fourth Ward Skatepark, Atlanta
What: Sample over 100 beers, plus wine and seltzers, with live music.
Cost: Tickets from $45

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Wine & Wildflower Festival at Serenity Cellars
When: Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Serenity Cellars, Cleveland, GA (about 10 minutes from Helen)
What: Celebrate the inaugural Wine & Wildflower Festival at Serenity Cellars with wine tastings, food trucks, local artisan vendors, flower bouquet sales, and live entertainment. Guests can also explore Luce dei Flori, the winery’s new wildflower field planted with over 325 million blooms.
Cost: $30 advance tickets
 

If you would like to submit an item for a future list, send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com. 
 

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Former Falcons Sack Leader Re-Signs with Chargers

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Former Falcons Sack Leader Re-Signs with Chargers


Former Atlanta Falcons pass rusher Bud Dupree cashed in Wednesday evening.

Dupree, who tied for the Falcons’ team lead with 6.5 sacks in 2023, re-signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday, the team announced in a press release.

The 32-year-old Dupree penned a one-year, $6 million deal to stay in Los Angeles, where he recorded six sacks and 10 quarterback hits in 17 games. Though he didn’t make any starts, Dupree played 50% of the Chargers’ defensive snaps last season.

A native of Macon, Ga., Dupree starred at the University of Kentucky before being selected No. 22 overall by the Steelers in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft.

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Dupree developed into a standout player for the Steelers, starting 57 of his final 58 games; he recorded 19.5 sacks from 2019-20.

The following offseason, Dupree signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal with the Tennessee Titans but struggled to find the same level of productivity, recording seven sacks and eight tackles for loss in 22 games (17 starts).

The 6-4, 269-pound Dupree logged 18 tackles, four sacks, six tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits across 11 games, all starts, in 2022.

His journey took him to Atlanta, where he had an individually successful season before signing with the Chargers in May of 2024.

By re-upping with the Chargers, Dupree will have played at least two seasons with each team he’s been on — apart from the Falcons, who underwent head coaching and schematic changes after Dupree’s lone campaign.

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Dupree had only one solo tackle in his return to Atlanta last season, though the Chargers took a 17-13 win after Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins tossed four interceptions.

The Falcons and Chargers aren’t currently scheduled to play in 2025.



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Federal judge dismisses charges against Atlanta officer in 2019 deadly shooting

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Federal judge dismisses charges against Atlanta officer in 2019 deadly shooting


Sung Kim (Atlanta Police Department)

A federal judge has dismissed all criminal charges against Atlanta Police Officer Sung H. Kim, ruling he was immune from prosecution in the 2019 fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jimmy Atchison during a federal task force operation.

What we know:

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U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown issued the ruling on Tuesday, citing both the federal Supremacy Clause and Georgia’s self-defense laws as grounds for dismissal. The decision voids a Fulton County grand jury indictment that charged Kim with felony murder, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and violation of oath of office.

“There is no genuine dispute that [Kim] reasonably believed his actions were necessary and proper,” Brown wrote. “The evidence for self-defense is so overwhelming it is hard to understand how Georgia could have brought these charges in the first place.”

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The backstory:

The incident occurred on January 22, 2019, when Kim, a 26-year veteran of the Atlanta Police Department and a deputized member of the FBI’s Atlanta Violent Crime Task Force, joined a team attempting to arrest Atchison on an armed robbery warrant. According to court documents, Atchison fled from officers, first jumping from a window and then running through a northwest Atlanta apartment complex before hiding inside a closet beneath a pile of clothes.

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Officers, with the resident’s permission, entered the unit where Atchison was hiding. Kim ordered Atchison to show his hands. When Atchison made what Kim described as a sudden movement toward his face and chest, the officer fired a single shot, killing him. Investigators later determined Atchison was unarmed.

Kim said he believed Atchison was about to shoot him. The court found that belief reasonable, citing testimony from other officers and a use-of-force expert who agreed that Atchison’s motion constituted a “deadly force stimulus.”

Prosecutors argued Kim had acted recklessly and outside protocol, but Brown concluded Kim’s actions were consistent with his training and operational procedures.

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A Fulton County grand jury indicted Kim in December 2022. The case was moved to federal court in early 2023, and Kim’s legal team sought dismissal on federal immunity grounds in March 2025.

Why you should care:

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The shooting sparked public outcry and calls for accountability. Atchison’s family maintained he was surrendering when he was shot and accused officers of using excessive force. They filed a $20 million wrongful death lawsuit in 2020.

What’s next:

Tuesday’s decision effectively ends the criminal case and marks a turning point in a years-long legal battle that drew national attention and prompted a 2024 congressional investigation into federal task forces involving local officers.

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What we don’t know:

Prosecutors have not said whether they will appeal the ruling.

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SEE ALSO:

The Source: The details in this article come from federal court records and previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting.

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